Liam Payne’s fatal fall from hotel balcony ‘captured on CCTV’ after being in state of ‘semi or total unconsciousness’
The horrifying moment Liam Payne fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires was reportedly captured on CCTV, an Argentinian journalist has claimed.
Paula Varela alleges that footage shows the former One Direction star fainting before plunging from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel on October 16.
The 31-year-old singer had been holidaying in Argentina with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy. They had attended a concert by Payne’s former bandmate Niall Horan earlier in the month.
Authorities are said to be keeping the CCTV footage secret as investigations continue into the tragic incident. Prosecutors believe Payne was in a state of “semi or total unconsciousness” during a substance-induced ‘psychotic episode’ when he fell.
Varela claims a night worker at the hotel is under investigation for allegedly supplying Payne with drugs. The employee reportedly disobeyed management orders by bringing items to Payne’s room.
“Because of the good relationship he had with Liam he requested a car through one of these taxi apps we all use because Liam wanted something,” Varela said on Argentinian TV show Socios del Espectaculo.
The journalist added: “He did him that favour, a massive error because he’s being investigated, and they’re seeing what was transferred in that vehicle.”
The hotel worker has reportedly been suspended. Varela described him as “a cherished member of staff, a good worker” who “disobeyed an order that could have proved fatal”.
A toxicology report revealed traces of cocaine in Payne’s body, according to Argentinian news outlet Infobae. However, tests on white powder found in his hotel suite have so far proved “inconclusive”.
The singer’s father, Geoff Payne, flew to Buenos Aires to expedite the repatriation of his son’s body. He met with prosecutor Andres Madrea, who informed him that the process cannot begin until toxicology and tissue tests are complete.
Buenos Aires police searched the hotel last Thursday, examining documents and computers in the lobby. Investigators are still seeking Payne’s alleged drug dealer, with speculation that someone from the hotel may have been supplying narcotics.
The toxicology report suggests Payne “did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself” during the fall, indicating he may have been in a state of semi or total unconsciousness.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, confirmed Payne fell into an internal courtyard.
Speaking to Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel, he said: “A few minutes later [an] emergency team arrived and confirmed the death of this man who we later learned was from a musical group.
“He had injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall.”
The singer died of multiple trauma injuries causing “internal and external haemorrhaging”. His body reportedly sustained 25 “life-threatening” injuries, including a skull fracture.
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Payne’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from family, friends, and fellow musicians.
Fans have held vigils and memorials across the world, including in London, Mexico City, and New York.
The tragedy has also sparked discussions about the pressures of fame and the music industry, particularly on young artists.
X Factor star Katie Waissell, who starred alongside Payne on the ITV series, is just one figure who’s called for reform in the duty of care given to young musicians.
